Tranny filter/gasket kits..

[BUTCH1]

Hello all, I'm planning on doing a pan drop/filter change next week, I see a lot of different manufacturers selling these kits, a few reviews said that they had leakage problems with the replacement gaskets. IDK if these were people who didn't correctly tighten the bolts or the replacement gaskets were as cheaply made as they described. I'm considering re-using the gasket that's on now as it doesn't leak a drop, ideas/suggestions/comments???

 

[bryanl]

Don't reuse a gasket unless it's almost new or is made for that, and as far as I know only some 100% rubber gaskets are suitable.

Felpro, OEM, or a manufacturer that supplies OEM.

 

[phucheneh]

The reviews are probably 95% operator error. While paper and cork gaskets DO suck, they also work if you use some sealer (RTV) and don't overtighten. Hell, I spread RTV on both sides, which would generally lead one to ask 'do you even need the gasket?' Well, no, not really, in many cases. I basically use it to take up space so things will fit right.

There are instances of factory transmissions using only sealer on a lower pan (Chrysler). And quality, reusable gaskets (Ford). But generally, just buy the best gasket you can (if rubber is available, get it), use sealer if needed (not on rubber) and be easy on the bolts. Only go around the pan once. If you keep going, you'll keep finding 'loose' bolts to snug, and eventually squish out and maybe tear your gasket.

For real fitment issues, the only stuff I've ever had was with filters. Those than don't bolt in, but simply hang there, commonly don't work so great. The O-ring on the neck of the filter can be just a little different size or some such, and it makes your filter want to jump off and go swimming in the pan.

edit: the reusable gaskets are steel or plastic with a rubber coating. Pure rubber should be replaced.

 

[BUTCH1]

The reviews are probably 95% operator error. While paper and cork gaskets DO suck, they also work if you use some sealer (RTV) and don't overtighten. Hell, I spread RTV on both sides, which would generally lead one to ask 'do you even need the gasket?' Well, no, not really, in many cases. I basically use it to take up space so things will fit right.

There are instances of factory transmissions using only sealer on a lower pan (Chrysler). And quality, reusable gaskets (Ford). But generally, just buy the best gasket you can (if rubber is available, get it), use sealer if needed (not on rubber) and be easy on the bolts. Only go around the pan once. If you keep going, you'll keep finding 'loose' bolts to snug, and eventually squish out and maybe tear your gasket.

For real fitment issues, the only stuff I've ever had was with filters. Those than don't bolt in, but simply hang there, commonly don't work so great. The O-ring on the neck of the filter can be just a little different size or some such, and it makes your filter want to jump off and go swimming in the pan.

edit: the reusable gaskets are steel or plastic with a rubber coating. Pure rubber should be replaced.

Like an oil pan I slowly tighten the bolts moving from side to side rather than tightening them to full torque one at a time.

 

[BUTCH1]

The reviews are probably 95% operator error. While paper and cork gaskets DO suck, they also work if you use some sealer (RTV) and don't overtighten. Hell, I spread RTV on both sides, which would generally lead one to ask 'do you even need the gasket?' Well, no, not really, in many cases. I basically use it to take up space so things will fit right.

There are instances of factory transmissions using only sealer on a lower pan (Chrysler). And quality, reusable gaskets (Ford). But generally, just buy the best gasket you can (if rubber is available, get it), use sealer if needed (not on rubber) and be easy on the bolts. Only go around the pan once. If you keep going, you'll keep finding 'loose' bolts to snug, and eventually squish out and maybe tear your gasket.

For real fitment issues, the only stuff I've ever had was with filters. Those than don't bolt in, but simply hang there, commonly don't work so great. The O-ring on the neck of the filter can be just a little different size or some such, and it makes your filter want to jump off and go swimming in the pan.

edit: the reusable gaskets are steel or plastic with a rubber coating. Pure rubber should be replaced.

Yes, this is a bolt-less filter design, most people just push on the new filter as the old O-ring is quite a pain to get out and I'd rather not risk scratching up anything..